From Acupuncture to Yoga

Aging the Healthiest Way Possible- Some Suggestions for You

Aging does not have to just be about getting older. It can also be about becoming more aware of what it takes to be healthier. Good health leads to a slower aging process and that means less of the problems that defined the aging population in past generations.

There are certain things that can age you that you may not realize are as bad as they are. Smoking is one of the worst culprits for aging the body inside and out. The second is the sun and the effects of overexposure to it. Many of the wrinkles and lines that people notice on their faces, necks and chests are not normal signs of aging but signs of damage from the sun’s powerful rays.

You can nip these problems in the bud by giving up the smoking habit and wearing sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 when you go out in the sun, as well as wearing sunglasses, a hat and long sleeves as well as long pants.

Something else you can do to keep your skin as young and supple as possible is to keep it well hydrated. That includes the skin on your face and all over your body. Well moisturized skin is well nourished and will not age nearly as quickly as dehydrated deprived skin will. This means drinking lots of water to help from the inside out and using moisturizer and body lotion to help from the outside in.

What else do you need to know to age as healthy as possible?

The ingredients in your food are vital elements of being healthy. There is a substance called fluorine that is essential for the body to remain healthy as it provides resistant to many foreign substances that can make you ill. If you do not consume enough fluorine on a regular basis this can lead to disorders of your spleen and problems with your blood. It can also cause dry and scaly skin.

Fluorine is found in many different types of vegetables and fruits, however cooking often diminishes the beneficial effects of fluorine. What this means for you is that the more raw vegetables and fruits you eat the healthier you will be. Other foods and beverages that are high in fluorine include cabbage, cottage cheese, goat milk and avocados.

Your oral health has an impact on your overall health. As well your teeth can give away your age immediately if you do not take the best of care of them. As an individual gets older cavities become less of a problem but gum disease (known medically as periodontal disease) becomes a greater worry. Gum disease is the main cause of tooth loss in those over the age of 45.

Gum disease is caused by the same thing that causes cavities – plaque build up. Plaque is composed of bacteria, saliva and food debris. It is a sticky substance that clings to the teeth and can make them look less white and can also cause pockets of infection to develop at the gum line which will likely cause some soreness, puffiness and discomfort. If it goes undetected and untreated then the bones that keep the teeth in place will weaken and a form of tooth erosion will begin that in its most serious stage will cause teeth to fall out.

To prevent a tooth nightmare from taking your teeth away from you, practice excellent dental care. Brush your teeth after every meal (and every snack if you can) and floss before you go to bed at night. See your dentist regularly (at least every six months) for an examination and a professional cleaning. Take care of you and you will age in a healthy manner!